First Ministers climate framework a start, but stronger targets needed

(OTTAWA) March 3, 2016 – Following today’s meeting between the Premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Green Party of Canada calls on the federal government to deliver stronger climate targets to meet its Paris Agreement commitments...

“I congratulate the Premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on making progress towards a pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate action. However, I believe Canada can still achieve stronger greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets before we sign the Paris Agreement on April 22,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands).

To avoid a global temperature rise of more than 1.5 degrees C, Canada will need to improve upon our current GHG target of 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 – the weakest target in the G7, Ms. May said.

“We need real leadership now, not in six months,” Hyer said. “The Green Party will continue to advocate for the Carbon Fee & Dividend model, introduced by NASA’s climate guru, James Hansen, and promoted in Canada by the Citizens Climate Lobby. Rather than Cap & Trade or another carbon tax, Carbon Fee & Dividendreturns every penny of carbon fees directly to every Canadian on an equal per-capita basis, and in a totally revenue-neutral manner. The larger the dividends, the faster it reduces both CO2 and poverty. Let’s get a real plan for future generations now.”

Reach out to the Premiers and the Prime Minister directly by tweeting this page. For a complete list of First Ministers and their Environment Ministers click here